Last post Wed, May 21 2008 7:32 AM by RachelACornell. 17 replies.
Here's a question I've been thinking a lot about recently:
"Do we need adversity to grow?"
Could it be that we NEED experiences, even, maybe, a bit of adversity, to grow to our fullest? It proved to be true for the trees in Biosphere II after all. If you don’t recall, Biosphere II was the multi-million-dollar project of a totally enclosed ecosystem. What happened was the trees in the simulated rain forest grew to a pretty good height and then became top heavy and fell over. What Scientists later figured out is that the trees needed wind. They need the resistance of the wind to help strengthen their trunks. Without wind, they were weak, and they fell.
What do we need?
Would love to hear what you think,
Rachel
I need my right foot to wake up and my balance to improve. I think 5 strokes have had more than enough of an adverse effect on me.
I suppose I've always believed the adage "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger." Not necessarily in the physical sense, but in the sense of developing inner strength, to be able to mentally and emotionally deal with all that life has to offer, both good and bad. I've had my share of adversity, and if you compared me to a tree, I suppose my trunk would look scarred and burned in places, my branches twisted and misshapen, some pruned off completely. But, a tree that is still managing to stand, nonetheless. I also believe that some trees that may not be as physically strong as others can still thrive and grow stronger with the help of the surrounding trees that help to protect them when things are too harsh, or provide "leaning posts" to keep them from falling. Of course, in this analogy, the surrounding trees would be loved ones/caregivers, assistance devices, and faith.
The tree analogy makes an excellent one. Have you ever seen a tree or plant grown in zero gravity,away from natural light and normal surroundings? They grow in peculiar shapes, often stunted and never blooming or reaching anything like their full potential. They are grown in a vacuum, with no outside influences or forces to help them develop. I'd compare this to a person that becomes withdrawn and reclusive, keeping only to him or herself, without contact by "outside forces" (people, life and everyday experiences in general) that might nurture them into something more.
As a person, and not a tree, I personally feel that I need to be challenged on occasion, just to keep my muscles toned in order to face the big winds. Then again, she whined to all who would listen, I don't want it always to be difficult. It would be nice to just be able to coast once in a while, too, and not have even the simplest thing turn into an all-week project.
Interesting topic, by the way. I'm looking forward to reading the other responses!
hugs from ducky
I was watching the Matrix again for the first time in years the other night (to lazy to go rent something newer, I suppose) and was struck by some of the dialogue: Agent Smith said that the first version of their world had been a disaster because everything was perfect and that the second version was much better because it had pain and suffering and that people somehow needed the pain and suffering. I thought that was very interesting.
Looking at it from that angle raises a companion question to the one you asked: Is it possible to grow to one's fullest potential without ever experiencing pain/suffering/adversity? I'm not sure that it is.
Perhaps adversity is part of the human condition and without it we'd be incomplete.
brucec3: I need my right foot to wake up and my balance to improve. I think 5 strokes have had more than enough of an adverse effect on me.
Oooooooooooh! interesting question! I think we probably do need adversity, but I also think it is something that naturally occurring and something that is more a part of the entire progressive process rather than something we can divorce from it. I think it's just a part of the evolutionary processs. I also think that artificial adversity (caused by man) is something that is against nature, but is not a part of the process and only harms progression. In other words, murder isn't a part of the process of progression since it is enacted against nature and artificially, but the grieving process that comes from it is natural. Does that make sense?
"I believe everything out of the common. The only thing to distrust is the normal."John Buchan
Yes.
ducky: I suppose I've always believed the adage "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger." Not necessarily in the physical sense, but in the sense of developing inner strength, to be able to mentally and emotionally deal with all that life has to offer, both good and bad.
Rachel: At first I had the thought that every experience, thoughtfully evaluated, has within it the power to help use grow. Then I thought, it's been the more challenging experances, and the times in which I've stuck my neck out in the pursuit of something meaningful to me that has shaped me as a person the most.
So as much as I would like to think that adage is silly, I think there really is something to it Ducky.
ducky: I've had my share of adversity, and if you compared me to a tree, I suppose my trunk would look scarred and burned in places, my branches twisted and misshapen, some pruned off completely. But, a tree that is still managing to stand, nonetheless. I also believe that some trees that may not be as physically strong as others can still thrive and grow stronger with the help of the surrounding trees that help to protect them when things are too harsh, or provide "leaning posts" to keep them from falling. Of course, in this analogy, the surrounding trees would be loved ones/caregivers, assistance devices, and faith.
R: So wonderfully expressed!
d: The tree analogy makes an excellent one. Have you ever seen a tree or plant grown in zero gravity,away from natural light and normal surroundings? They grow in peculiar shapes, often stunted and never blooming or reaching anything like their full potential. They are grown in a vacuum, with no outside influences or forces to help them develop. I'd compare this to a person that becomes withdrawn and reclusive, keeping only to him or herself, without contact by "outside forces" (people, life and everyday experiences in general) that might nurture them into something more.
R: Interestingly a tree that stands alone is much more vulnerable than a tree in a forest. Maybe we need some kind of balance of adversity and security.
d: As a person, and not a tree, I personally feel that I need to be challenged on occasion, just to keep my muscles toned in order to face the big winds. Then again, she whined to all who would listen, I don't want it always to be difficult. It would be nice to just be able to coast once in a while, too, and not have even the simplest thing turn into an all-week project.
R: Boy do I hear you there! "I want to grow to my fullest potential, but I sure wish it didn't have to hurt any."
d: Interesting topic, by the way. I'm looking forward to reading the other responses!
Thanks, me too. I would like to republish the posts here on my blog. If you rather me not do that just let me know and I wont.
R: It's been interesting for me to hear what “able bodied” people have to say around this topic too. Some people have suggested that I'm lucky to have a “disability”, so I know what it is I'm up against. I understand what they are saying but I don't know how I feel about that.
It's also interesting to me to wonder, if we don't have “adversity” tossed in our laps like many of us have had here. Do people go and seek it? You know like with extreme sports or drug use. I know substance abuse can be used for a pain-killer. And we all seeming to agree it's in part the pain that makes us strong.
But I wonder, do you suppose that some people use drugs more as a pain creator? I don't know.
Thanks ducky, really love what you wrote!
Tim wrote: I was watching the Matrix again for the first time in years the other night (to lazy to go rent something newer, I suppose) and was struck by some of the dialogue: Agent Smith said that the first version of their world had been a disaster because everything was perfect and that the second version was much better because it had pain and suffering and that people somehow needed the pain and suffering. I thought that was very interesting.
Rachel: I love when a topic like this and popular culture are together in the mixing bowl. Thanks for the great example Tim.
Tim: Looking at it from that angle raises a companion question to the one you asked: Is it possible to grow to one's fullest potential without ever experiencing pain/suffering/adversity? I'm not sure that it is.
Rachel: I'm not sure it is either. Heck, think about it, doctors whack us on our behinds to get us to breath. It starts early.
T: Perhaps adversity is part of the human condition and without it we'd be incomplete.
R: Or like ducky said, like the trees that grew in zero gravity.
ps- (I apologize for my post looking funny...I write them in a program that's more user friendly for low vision and then copy it back into disaboom)
Norma wrote: If we think about it.....things like 9/11........as a nation....we came together....showed our unity....strength.....at our worst times.....isn't it then that we reach for God.......eachother ? So I think the answer is probably yes.....and I can't even imagine how many stories are out there describing accidents...losses....diseases etc, that brought out hidden strengths.....i.e. love....compassion.....mostly courage......courage that would otherwise never been exposed. So yes, I think.......Peace and love.....Norma
Rachel: I think you're right Norma, we truly see the best (and yes, sometimes the worst) in people during times of natural and human disasters.
We didn't sign-up to have to be courageous or whatever but some of the crummiest situations sure can bring out the brilliance in us.
ps- glad my text is okay for your eyes!
Liesl wrote: Oooooooooooh! interesting question! I think we probably do need adversity, but I also think it is something that naturally occurring and something that is more a part of the entire progressive process rather than something we can divorce from it. I think it's just a part of the evolutionary processs. I also think that artificial adversity (caused by man) is something that is against nature, but is not a part of the process and only harms progression. In other words, murder isn't a part of the process of progression since it is enacted against nature and artificially, but the grieving process that comes from it is natural. Does that make sense?
Rachel: Love the philosophical look at the topic Liesl. I so enjoy a good think! I know what you're saying about “artificial adversity” but I'm not sure I agree. Seems like sometimes these “artificial” situations are also a part of the evolutionary process. Perhaps the evolution of a persons spirit, even, perhaps the spirit of the murderer. At first blush it might sound crazy.
I am not saying that killing someone is a good choice to have made. I'm saying, what if the person who did the act then becomes the same individual who helps stop future crimes from happening? The person has evolved in such a way that they have been changed in a favorable way. Makes me think of the song Amazing Grace.
Perhaps then, it is a part of nature, at least the nature of humans. The nature to change.
Hi Rachel,
Love your topic and have to agree with everyone else. The answer is a resounding YES!!!! Even the Good Lord told us in His blessed Word: In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world! That is great news to me. He also says that we will not be tempted above that we can bear. He knows our strength better than we know our own selves. He says that he knows the number of our hairs on our heads. Wow, now that takes some counting for some of us! I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason!--no coincidences with God! I think that if we submit to God humbly He eventually makes everything make sense! I loved the tree analogy! I love to think about trees and how that God told us I am the tree, you are the branches. If you abide in me great things will happen (paraphrasing). I love to think about how the Holy Spirit is our roots and if we are rooted and grounded in Christ, our roots will hold us up no matter how the wind blows!!!! Thanks for your blog, and question, and good look with the book! Let us know when it comes out! I want a copy!
Handicapable
Handicapable wrote: I loved the tree analogy! I love to think about trees and how that God told us I am the tree, you are the branches.
Rachel: I like the visual of “a power greater than ourselves” being the trunk of our tree.
I appreciate your support regarding my book, it means a lot to me, thank you.
